Scripting: Yea or Nay?

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 31, 2005

nay

and no I am not a horse.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

There are certain instructions/interactions/explainations you have to give your patients on admission, but i wouldnt call it scripting. Scripting sounds so set and un- changable. Every patient is different in what they need and can do.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

Nay, I'm a real live nurse, not a robot. I can't stand scripting.

allnurses Guide · Mar 31, 2005

Scripting? Never heard of it.

steph :nurse:

sbic56, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

Scripting? Never heard of it.
steph

http://www.baptistleadershipinstitute.com/Articles/Articles.aspx?ContentID=100004

This link pretty much sums it up. I had already learned how to communicate effectively prior to "scripting" being all the rage at a hospital where I work. I refused to do it, as did most of us there. Pretty silly, IMO.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

This link pretty much sums it up. I had already learned how to communicate effectively prior to "scripting" being all the rage at a hospital where I work. I refused to do it, as did most of us there. Pretty silly, IMO.

After viewing some of the things you're expected to say, I can see why you feel it's silly.

Did you notice how it's OK for the Business Office to say they're busy, but not Nursing? :banghead:

And what's with that stilted "exceed your expectations" thing? Does that mean that they'll get such good care that they'll live forever or something? Exactly what does "exceeding expectation" mean to a patient who's in a terminal condition???

I use the term "scripting" to mean a polite phrasing of a communication, not necessarily "robotic" nursing. Some of those phrases are awkwardly constructed and can't fail to come out sounding phoney or stilted.

I would hope that my Nursing Department would insist on having a say in which of these phrases get adopted by the facility.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

The only thing I say consistantly is, Hi my name is Barbara, I am one of the nurses, when I walk into a room (ER)...then there is everything in between that is subject to change frequently. At the end, I give them their discharge papers, hit the highlights, say this is a narcotic, no alcohol or driving while taking this medicine and it is best taken with food. (we hand out Rx for vicodin like they are M&M's. Have a better day! That is the extent of my scripting.

live4today, RN · Mar 31, 2005

Nay.........to the scripting or rewritten means of communicating to patients like I'm absent a brain that is educated and thinks quite well on its' own. :rolleyes:

My parents "scripted" me quite well growing up, and it's never failed me yet. :) Thanks Mom and Dad!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

It sounds phoney. But sadly many nurses and techs don't have good communication skills and don't know how to talk to patients and families.

But I read a study that showed reduction in call bell use with the script "Is there anything else I can do for you....I have the time". Apparently the "I have the time" script works.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2005

Apparently the "I have the time" script works.

I wondered why, but after I thought about it, I've noticed that simply acting like you have time seems to calm and comfort some anxious types. Maybe that's why it works?

live4today, RN · Mar 31, 2005

Asking "Is there anything else I can do for you" is just good manners to me. But...some people lack good manners, so perhaps they do need to be told what to say. :chuckle